Identity Crisis...Yorkie or Silky?

[Woogie Man]

Well, Yorkies, and I imagine Silkies, can vary so much in looks that it's hard to tell. Textbook Yorkies and Silkies are easier to distinguish, I think. One thing that I notice about Silkies is that they seem to have a heavier brow that a Yorkie.

My guess is that yours is a Yorkie. The odds favor that, too. The Yorkie was ranked #3 in 2009 and the Silky was #78 in registrations.

[OwnedByJezebel]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

Well, Yorkies, and I imagine Silkies, can vary so much in looks that it's hard to tell. Textbook Yorkies and Silkies are easier to distinguish, I think.

Oh, absolutely. Go to a dog show, and you'll have no trouble at all distinguishing between the two ... and it isn't just because one wears a topknot and the other doesn't. You can see the difference plain as day even from a good distance.

We all expect our dogs to fit inside a "box" (the breed standard), but they have differences just like humans. Some are big, some are small, different coloring, big noses, small noses, etc., etc., etc. As much as reputable breeders try their very best, not every dog they produce will meet the standard and be a show dog. (I think I saw one here say that their rate of success in that area is about 25%? I could be wrong). Every dog can't be show / breeder material. I'll take a "reject" any day that is healthy and has that great terrier temperament, that makes a GREAT companion!

Also, I've had three Yorkies (and I'm certain they were all Yorkie), and they have ALL had the temperament described in the Silky standard. Lots of spunk and drive, afraid of nothing, bright and alert, all terrier.